APA Method
The method section provides a detailed description of how the study was conducted, allowing other investigators to evaluate your methods and replicate the study. Divide the method section into appropriately labeled subsections (e.g., participants, design, materials, and procedure).
Be sure to include the following pieces of information in the appropriate subsection
Method
Participants
Describe the sample. Report the procedure for recruiting and assigning participants to conditions (if appropriate). Describe any eligibility or exclusion criteria. Describe the demographics of the sample and any other relevant characteristics. State that all participants will be treated according to the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Design
Name the overall design. Describe each independent variable and its levels. Describe each dependent variable and its levels.
Materials
Describe in order each material the participant comes in contact with during the experimental session and refer the reader to an appendix for a copy. Describe how lists/materials were constructed and/or selected, reliability/validity information for established measures, from where you obtained the materials, describe order randomization/counterbalancing procedures. The consent and debriefing forms are NOT described here. For the proposal, you must attach at least one material as an appendix.
Links for potential research scales/questionnaires:
Psychological Tests for Student Use
Questionnaires from the Positive Psychology Center
Procedure
Summarize each step in executing the research. Give a play-by-play of the experimental session (use chronological order). Summarize/paraphrase instructions to participants. Start by mentioning the consent form very briefing and end by mentioning that all participants will be debriefed and awarded proof of participation to present to their professor for extra credit. The last sentence should state how long, on average, each experimental session should last.